Addiction to a substance does not develop by choice. Also, a person trying drugs for the first time does not aspire to develop an addiction. For any addiction to develop, it undergoes several stages starting from habit, dependence and tolerance that eventually leads to addiction. Although it is hard to realize the development of an addiction, recognizing it can be the first alarm. Ideally, this should be the immediate stage to undergo a detox program and prevent the development of the addiction.

Considered as the first step towards recovery from addiction, a detox program is similar to any other treatment that involves medication, therapy and guidance from healthcare professionals. A boon for people with addiction, detox helps in removal of the toxins from the body and resetting the chemistry, thereby enabling the body to operate its mechanisms naturally.

However, it is not that simple. Despite fairly common, people lack an insight into detoxification such as choosing a right center and types of program. The series ‘Insight into detoxification’ deals with various important aspects of detoxification that will help people gain fair knowledge about the process.

Deciding on types of detox treatment

While the elements of detox programs are decided on the basis of severity of the addiction, the patient also has the option to choose from outpatient and inpatient detox programs, depending upon the need. The difference between and benefits of the two kinds of detox program are detailed below:

Outpatient detox program: It is designed for the people suffering mild to moderate addiction. As the name suggests, a person under this program is not admitted to the detox center. However, he/she is required to visit doctors frequently as per the sessions. This program is ideal for those experiencing alcohol withdrawal syndrome such as hand tremor, heart palpitation, restlessness, loss of appetite and nausea. This kind of program best suits for the patients who wish to recover without disruption in their work. Additionally, it is also less expensive and less time-consuming as compared to other detox programs.

However, one major risk associated with outpatient detox program is the risk of relapse. Since the program structure does not confine a patient to the walls of the center, he/she gets an easy exposure to alcoholic and other drug-induced atmosphere. The subsequent cravings while may lead to relapse of the addiction, many patients also fail to succeed in their ongoing detox program.

Inpatient detox program: This program is meant for those suffering from severe addiction. People undergoing inpatient detox program are admitted to a center for the entire duration of the treatment. The duration of the treatment is decided by the severity of the addiction. Often, due to the severity, such detox programs have a combination of medicines, therapies, group counseling, individual sessions, recreational and social activities and medical or surgical consultations. This program does not only become a fallback option for patients failing in outpatient detox program, but it also helps prevent relapse as the patients are kept under medical vigilance throughout the period.

Road to recovery

It is pertinent to note that every detox program, irrespective of its type, is aimed at helping a person attain a substance-free state, relief from the withdrawal symptoms, and treat the underlying psychiatric imbalance, if any. Additionally, while the detox program should help treat the addiction, it should also guide for aftercare post recovery from addiction to avoid and prevent relapse.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, it is time to seek assistance from the California Detox Helpline. You may call at our 24/7 helpline number 855-780-2495 to know about state-of-the-art detox and rehab centers in California. You can also chat online with our experts to find one of the best drug rehab centers in California and rapid detox centers in California.

About Our Helpline

The California Detox Helpline is a free resource for those looking for help through effective rapid detox. We provide assistance in helping people find the appropriate retreat center to fit their needs.